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Home > Leadership And Training For The Fight: A Few Thoughts On Leadership And Training From A Former Special Operations Soldier
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Leadership And Training For The Fight: A Few Thoughts On Leadership And Training From A Former Special Operations Soldier
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By MSG Paul R. Howe
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 (46 Reviews)
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AuthorHouse
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Published:
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December 31, 1969 |
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Binding:
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Paperback
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Pages:
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208
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This book will pursue an honest and frank discussion of leadership and training that is applicable to the military, law enforcement and the business world. It provides accounts of leadership successes and failures under the most severe conditions.
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Customer Reviews:
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 On Combat and Leadership -, April 1, 2007
By Steve Dietrich (Santa Ynez Valley and Santa Monica CA, United States)
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A great book on multiple levels. Perhaps the most valuable is the wisdom on leadership.
Master Sergeant Howe a great example of the physical, moral and intellectual qualities that give such strength to our military, especially the Special Forces. Much of the power of the book is derived from its simple, composite content - lesson plans for the warrior, "case discussion" and analysis. As the author notes the text has not been scrubbed into political correctness and academic flacidity.
Howe brings something else to the table that perhaps no other author possesses, field experience that began with multiple tours in Vietnam and continued with both the Army and CIA across decades to the war in Afghanistan. While excellent books such as One Bullet Away cover weeks of combat, Howe's experience covers multiple campaigns but always in the field.
Howe's lesson plans are directed at the needs of warriors and law enforcement at the point of the spear. It is the wisdom of someone who has led forces into hellholes around the world while carefully preserving the lessons learned. I am in no position to judge the quality of his tactical advice; but, his record and reputation speak volumes.
Howe points out the need to change the mindset and how many training exercises instill the wrong responses. One example is the use of paintball and laser drills where one hit and you are out of the fight. To Howe this is totally unacceptable in the field and, therefore, unacceptable training. There are lesson that appears page after page - training, more training, planning that utilizes collective wisdom, aggressive execution and leadership.
His "case studies" are not a recital of what someone wrote about what he thought some distant soldier experienced, but rather his personal experiences. They are woven into the book to illustrate points not to entertain or establish Howe's credentials. Together they document a way of preparing to fight, fighting, achieving the goal and coming home to a cold beer. Along the way they entertain the reader while reminding him of how truly special our warriors are and the depth of their commitment and sacrifices.
If the book stopped here it would be a great read. However, Howe goes on displaying a great understanding of what makes a leader, lessons of history, the intellectual gifts of fighter pilot John Boyd whose OODA Loop had an immense impact on current surface warfare concepts and what's wrong with military leadership.
Howe's discussion of leadership is enlightening. In his line of work leadership is a matter of life and death, for his fellow soldiers and perhaps for our nation. His concerns regarding both leadership training for officers and culling the flock to remove those not suited for leadership deserve consideration by our top military leaders. He points out that the senior enlisted ranks are filled by those who have proven their competence and leadership skills.
On a larger scale these same leadership concerns reflect much of what is wrong with the entire concept of business and public administration and why so many of our local and state public entities appear to be unmanageable. Perhaps the problem is not the lack of stronger management, but, rather the lack of leadership. Sadly our best and brightest emerging from four or six years at the best universities seldom grasp the importance of leadership other than that it helps get their football and basketball teams to national championships. The most obvious connection between leadership and success seldom makes it to the classroom.
Highly recommended to general audiences, those who go into bad neighborhoods and to those who seek to understand how the military works. Short, easy to read and it is also a great read for anyone headed towards a position of leadership in the military, business or academic world.
Howe also provides the background to understand Blackhawk Down.
Finally Howe promises that there will be no second revised edition with the sharp edges rounded in the name of political correctness. One only hopes that he writes again of the experiences which were not included in this book.
If your library had only one book on leadership and combat this would be the easy choice.
54 of 60 people found the above review helpful.
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 Excellent Treatise on Leadership, January 12, 2007
By Lodge2 (Texas)
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Written by somebody who has lived "in the trenches" for fellow soldiers and law enforcement officers. The writing style is very direct and unfiltered. Howe explains early in the book that his intent was to get his thoughts down on paper while they were fresh and to avoid watering them down through a formal editing process. The feeling you get is that of a junior leader listening to a seasoned veteran pass on his wisdom.
Chapters include:
* Accelerating The Loop
* Combat Mindset
* Individual Leadership
* Selection
* Team Leadership
* Organizational Leadership
* Combat Leadership
* Training For The Fight
* Leadership Planning
* Teaching Leadership
* Counseling and Mentorship
* Realities of Combat and Tactical Tips
Recommended reading for leaders at all levels. Although oriented towards leadership skills, there are also lessons for individual citizens. Would be a great companion book to Grossman's "On Combat" or Bowden's "Blackhawk Down."
26 of 26 people found the above review helpful.
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 Terribly Disappointed, January 2, 2009
By T.B. Oliver
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More like "Leadership (sort of) and Complaining for the Fight: The World's Problems According to a Former Special Operations Soldier"
The beginning is very promising, with the explanation of the "OODA loop" and a general view of how combat works, and more importantly how it is won. Unfortunately, this barely lasts to the end of the first chapter before it devolves into one long and relentless rant that continues until you finally trudge through to the last page.
Basically the author takes every opportunity possible to lash out at everything he finds to be a problem in the world today, from the current structure of the American military to the general activities of our nation's youth (or at least what he believes are the general activities of the American youth). "Too many times" probably appears in the book fifty times, if not in exact wording then with a similar statement such as "All too often," or "We as Americans."
He makes countless derisive comments about the division of officers and enlisted men, most notably "Who would you rather have lead you into combat? The guy with 4 years experience or the guy with 4 years of college?" and shows a complete lack of understanding of the actual legitimate reasons behind this ancient military tradition of class divisions that is close to embarrassing.
He also makes his attitude concerning religion very clear, and in a narrative describes a commanding officer who is upset at the troops' rowdiness after a successful mission and tells them to relax, as there are people out there who lost their loved ones that night. The author does not say so directly, but implies his disgust with this sentiment, and attributes his officer's statement to his being a former chaplain, and letting his religion "get in the way." At another point in the book, he brings up with similar implied disgust, the account of an officer who held church sessions at the base on Sundays. Apparently this is a horrid crime against humanity. What makes the whole situation even more ridiculous is in one of his narratives, he retells that his team arrested two men in a village who had used their children as shields when the soldiers entered the room. He never specifically mentions any other villagers are arrested, but makes it extremely clear how angry he was at the two fathers and their most repulsive behavior. He justifies his hypocrisy of letting his own values influence the mission by saying that the two men turned out to be high-ranking enemy militiamen, as if saying "But they were bad anyway, so it's ok."
Chapter 3 starts off basically as a figurative spanking of all the terribly selfish and unethical things the American youth allegedly do, all while maintaining the general arrogant tone found throughout the rest of the book, and ending with a smug "You're welcome." He attacks the general literacy of these same kids in at least one other place, which is laughable considering the pervasive grammatical and spelling errors found throughout the book because he refused to have it proofread. So what does any of this have to do with leadership and training? Good question... I wondered that myself, maybe he should have emphasized the "Few" word in the subtitle.
I will admit that when purchasing this book, I assumed there would be portions of the "training" sections I would not understand, and I was ok with that. I was however hoping to be able to count more than two useful things I learned from the book, and sadly I cannot. The OODA loop was #1, and #2 is a short tip on when training with simunitions, to never allow the trainees to "die" when hit, as this will encourage the "shut-down" attitude in the field when they are really hit. Of course, even this was degraded slightly from its full potential because it was immediately followed by another "Too many times" statement.
He states in the foreword not to "Trip over dollar bills to pick up pennies." and perhaps that is exactly what I am doing now. Maybe I'm too uppity about this, and if you are confident that you're extremely tolerant, perhaps you will get more out of this book than I did. Even yet, I would recommend countless other books on this similar subject before I even mention this one.
Perhaps I should answer that question of his I mentioned earlier. "Who would you rather have lead you into combat? The guy with 4 years experience or the guy with 4 years of college?" I will answer the guy with 4 years experience, but I have a more relevant question: Who's book would you rather read? The one written by the guy with 4 years experience or the guy with 4 years of college? Do yourself a favor and choose the latter.
23 of 54 people found the above review helpful.
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Should be required reading for NCO and unit leaders, July 5, 2006
By Brandon Davis (Venice, CA United States)
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Paul Howe's experience is extensive and his advice is a treasure in this book. If you're a young NCO in military service, particularly ground forces, this book is full of information that you will find valuable in helping to professionally develop yourself as a soldier and leader of soldiers. Each section starts off with an incident that led to a particular experience and lesson. In traditional Army fashion, each is covered in AAR format with a list of sustainments and improvements. As an NCO, this book can help guide you to develop more realistic and useful combat-oriented training as well as give you the tools necessary to become a more effective leader.
Along with the Ranger Handbook, I personally believe every NCO should have this book handy.
19 of 20 people found the above review helpful.
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gaicov-bulgaria, December 21, 2006
By me="R2YKF7L1M7YOZD">
9 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
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Excellent book from the best instructor, that I ever met. Paul Howe is one of the greatest wariors that USA ever had. You just have to read Mark Bowden's "Black Hawk Down" and will understand why. We, the law enforcement oficers from this small East European country, are verry proud and happy, that practise P. Howe's principles, rules and drills, which he teach us. Whithin this lesson book we have a chanse to make a step forward in our business. Thank You Paul! And we waiting for Your next lesson book.
9 of 12 people found the above review helpful.
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Don't judge a book by it's cover, November 4, 2006
By Blanbo (So. Cal USA)
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As stated, Don't judge a book by it's cover! If you did you may not read this book. I was so impressed with the simple straight forward writing style and basic "This is what it is and I'm not afraid to say it" attitude. This book along with Grossman's(another giant inthe field) would be a great trilogy for any aspiring Soldier, spec ops or not, Law enforment Officer or anyone going into harms way type of person to build their mental frame work for the demanding task in front of them. After reading this I was again given the answer of why I do what I do and I wish I had these prior so I would have had the courage/intestinal fortitude to "Do the right thing" more often. We need more Paul Howe type of guys and it could be you next. Follw the advice and be right and do right. This IS a contemporary classic reminiscent of the Reagan days.
8 of 11 people found the above review helpful.
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Politically uncorrect, but one of the best tactical books, April 22, 2006
By Train like you will fight (East coast)
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This book was one of the best tactical books that I have ever read. Most tactical books do not cover Mindset or the mental preparation needed to prepare for the big fight. I saw this in the office of our training staff. I discovered the book by accident, and I am glad I did. Mental preparation is as important as physical preparation, and this book shows you how to do it.
This book also covers some of the unknown fights of the US involvement in Somalia. The author was a part of the fighting in the "blackhawk down" sscenario. The details of those fights will let you know how bad the fighting was and why our guys were able to survive. They trained hard, and they fought hard. That is the secret of the book.
7 of 9 people found the above review helpful.
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Highly Recommended!!, March 15, 2006
By Haddon Stein (People's Republic of New Jersey, USA)
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Several high-speed instructors I train with have spoken of Paul Howe as one of the finest tactical trainers in the United States. When I heard he had written a book, I was anxious to read it and I wasn't disappointed. If you are a police officer or in the military, you MUST read this book! Also required reading for anyone interested in self defense or a glimpse into the mindset of the kind of men this country needs to win the war on terrorism.
Paul gives examples of real situations he was involved in and then goes into "lessons learned" and objectives to strive for. Written in a straightforward style, it conveys its' points better than any other book on this subject that I've read. Highly recommended!!
7 of 9 people found the above review helpful.
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"Stayin' Alive" without the Music, February 16, 2007
By Los Angeles Reader (Los Angeles)
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I'm a reader. Most of it is historical, lots of medical and lots of tactics and weapons use type books. This book is one you read more than once. It is both logical and practical with enough experience related scenarios to show the reader "why" and "how". As a society we lack a lot of discipline and care too much about our 'rights'. That is a detriment in conflict and life. Paul Howe clearly delineates the reasoning behind his methods and shows those 'in the fight' how to stay alive and also help keep your team alive and functioning. Great read, even better info.
5 of 6 people found the above review helpful.
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 take it with a grain of salt, April 10, 2009
By braxen (Tokyo, Japan)
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Paul Howe offers an incredible insight (and first hand account) of what he thinks took him to be a US special force operator.
The book is a bit rough of the edges but it takes its reader to a unique journey inside his mind and beliefs. From this perspective, the book is interesting albeit in a sort of detached anthropological way.
While I can relate and put into context what the author says I wish more perspective were introduced rather than trying to make a mix of formalization, personal values, rants and fights accounts.
Mr Howe blunts into your face with a binary "smoothness" how you need to brainwash yourself to be a proper fighting machine. This book may very well be of interest to the younger kids to learn from the experience of an old fighter, however the message may just pass through a more mature audience with more nuanced expectations.
I wish Mr Howe had indeed taken the advice of an editor or someone better versed in writing to introduce some perspective rather than preaching in a SOP format who and what a SF warrior should be. If you need to become a combatant a bit above the average this book may give you some insights.
As a military buff, I give it 3 stars, I hope that Howe will write another book in 15 years with more distance to his topic.
4 of 10 people found the above review helpful.
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Highly recommended for the dedicated leader, October 2, 2008
By B. Allen (Southern California)
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This is one of the best books I have ever read on leadership. The author outlines a realistic approach with proven techniques. I've grown tired of all the silly communication methods and manipulations, found in the flood of many books on the market, on how to motivate those under your supervision. Paul Howe knows how to lead. If you are truly interested in leadership, this book is highly recommended. On the other hand, if you are looking for quick fixes and feel good techniques, you should move on to a management in corporate America style book. There are many to choose from.
3 of 4 people found the above review helpful.
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Simply Superb, January 30, 2008
By J. W. Mullins (West, by God, Virginia)
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This is one of the must read books for leadership in the military, or anywhere for that matter. While it is called "Training for the Fight" and many of his examples are dealing with combat, it is not limited to ground forces, combat roles or the military. It is a collection of what makes a good leader and how to become one. The phrase 'leaders are born' is mostly rubbish, a true leader has to be developed from his experience and mentors, and this book clearly shows that.
Paul Howe's writing is clear and concise, and he formats his chapter like an Army After Action Report (AAR), which works fairly well. He starts his chapters with a snap shot of an operation or other experience of his, then goes through and breaks it down into what was right or wrong, what should be changed, how to fix it and what could be improved.
You really can't go wrong with this one, whether you are a working in an Infantry squad, on a ship, or in a boardroom, this is equally useful to any aspiring leader, one someone who just wants to improve their leadership.
3 of 4 people found the above review helpful.
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No Punches Pulled, July 8, 2007
By David Pletsch (Vancouver, WA USA)
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A brilliant evaluation of lessons learned on the battle field. This book is useful for anyone who finds themselves in a leadership role or who desires to be in leadership. MSG Howe takes real world encounters from his personal experience and cites examples of what went right and what went wrong. A must for the library.
3 of 4 people found the above review helpful.
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Required Reading, December 28, 2008
By Avid Reader/Futurist (Seatte, WA USA)
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The author is successful is merging his experiences and philosophy into a high readable book. I must disagree with another reviewer who recommends this should be required reading for NCOs. I will add it should be required reading for all of those who serve in harm's way (police/military/security). The information is not necessarily new but the author's approach is refreshing and very down to earth. It is in my rucksack..
3 of 5 people found the above review helpful.
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Warrior's leadership lessons, September 1, 2008
By Dan (LA)
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There seems to be no shortage of leadership books available to our self-help addicted society. How many people do you know who brag about having read "The Art of War"? This is not one of these types of books. I mention "The Art of War" because I find it helpful to draw parallels between life and battle. I find that if I approach my life's commitments and challenges like all-out warfare, I tend to get after it with aggression and a hunger for success.
If you feel the same, this book might be for you. In truth, this book is geared mostly for soldiers and police specifically combatants of the special ops variety and swat officers. In short it is by and for modern Spartan warriors.
You will have to work to draw your own connections between how you run your organization, business, or life, but if you are not inspired by some of the greatest men to walk among us, you are dead inside.
If you are in charge of or lead anything and you are interested in developing your leadership skills, you will find it here. If you think that leadership in the world's harshest conditions when the bullets are flying and men are dying doesn't apply to how you run your small business, ask yourself this, "Is there a difference between kinds of leadership, or is good leadership in concept more or less the same everywhere?" The only real difference is that if you are a shooter, your failures in leadership can cost lives, in business it is only money.
If you are considering this book, take the journey and trust the author to share his ideals and wisdom with you.
This book feels aggressive and extreme in it's intent to convey to the reader not just leadership skills, but in philosophy towards life.
We all want to be like the guy in the movies who remains calm and wins in the chaos of extreme conditions, this book shows you how. If you could do this imagine how you could attack your own life.
3 of 5 people found the above review helpful.
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Mandatory Read, August 1, 2006
By Jonathan Parham (New Jersey)
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Master Sargeant Howe does a fantastic job educating as well as motivating. I feel unworthy to even evaluate his work, but I will say the book serves as an inspirational tool as well as a no nonsense guide to sharpening the saw of your troops.
3 of 5 people found the above review helpful.
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Do yourself a favor-Buy this book now., August 21, 2006
By Nghiem T. Nguyen (San Francisco, CA USA)
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MSG Howe is one of the more honest writers that I have ever read. Even though he is writing for a military or Law Enforcement audience, anyone who wants to learn more about leadership, team building and stressful decision making. I intend on passing around my copy to others who would appreciate Sgt Howe's unique perspective. We need more leaders like Sgt Howe. Here's to more works by this superb author! We want more.
3 of 6 people found the above review helpful.
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Sage Advice, October 26, 2010
By Tommee-Oliver
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When I was commissioned a Second Lieutenant (thru ROTC<-Horrors!) and given orders for VietNam my father who was a retired WWII Master Sergeant told me that he was going to give me some advice that would probably get me home alive and maybe even in one piece.
He told me: "when you get to your unit, shut up for the first month and watch your sergeants in action and then when you think you're ready to speak up and take charge...shut up and watch some more". Well, I made it to the "sharp end" and back and in one piece (although I had one "puncture wound" due to my NOT listening to my sergeants and insisting on "walking point").
This is an excellent book and filled with advice that only 20 years of experience can give you. You want punctuation, grammar and a fancy turn of phrase? Go get an English degree. You want advice that could save your life? Get this book!
Anything else I could say would be superfluous (how's that for a big word for you English critiques) so I will end it with "well done Master Sergeant!"
2 of 2 people found the above review helpful.
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Great book!, February 9, 2008
By S. Cullison (Germany)
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I really enjoyed this book. I currently serving in the US ARMY in Iraq. My only wish is that we as soldiers could implement what is talked about in this book. I am sad to say that the author is right about how our society is screwed due to pussies as is our military. Anyways, Great book deffinetely recomend it to any and all combat soldiers.
2 of 3 people found the above review helpful.
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Excellent book especially if you are a trainer., August 29, 2006
By Tactical Tradecraft (USA)
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This book should be required reading for anyone who is a law enforcement or military trainer. There is an abundance of useful and relevant information that is presented in a very articulate manner. Howe provides specific examples of leadership and then pertains them to the training environment. These stories show, in detail, how important leadership is to the individuals you train and the people under your command.
Each chapter begins with a story related to the chapter title. After the story there is After Action Comments section to discuss important points to: 1. sustain and 2. improve the operation. The rest of the chapter does into specific details on each subject matter using clear language along with relevant stories.
Topics discussed in this excellent book include: OODA Loop, combat mindset, individual leadership, selection, team leadership, organizational leadership, combat leadership, training for the fight, leadership planning, teaching leadership, counseling and mentorship and realities of combat & tactical tips.
If you are a trainer this book needs to be added to your library! If you want to be a better trainer, and you should, you need this book.
2 of 5 people found the above review helpful.
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I have seen better, July 1, 2009
By cerberus (vermont)
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The man has some serious history, he knows what he is writting about but doesn't do the best job in actually writting it. I don't regret having it in my library but it is not on my list of best books on the subject of leadership.
2 of 8 people found the above review helpful.
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Excellent book especially if you are a trainer., August 29, 2006
By Tradecraft (USA)
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This book should be required reading for anyone who is a law enforcement or military trainer. There is an abundance of useful and relevant information that is presented in a very articulate manner. Howe provides specific examples of leadership and then pertains them to the training environment. These stories show, in detail, how important leadership is to the individuals you train and the people under your command.
Each chapter begins with a story related to the chapter title. After the story there is After Action Comments section to discuss important points to: 1. sustain and 2. improve the operation. The rest of the chapter does into specific details on each subject matter using clear language along with relevant stories.
Topics discussed in this excellent book include: OODA Loop, combat mindset, individual leadership, selection, team leadership, organizational leadership, combat leadership, training for the fight, leadership planning, teaching leadership, counseling and mentorship and realities of combat & tactical tips.
If you are a trainer this book needs to be added to your library! If you want to be a better trainer, and you should, you need this book.
2 of 5 people found the above review helpful.
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Must have book, December 12, 2010
By Andrew J. Blubaugh
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This is a must have book for anyone in a tactical leadership role. Basic, common sense approach tactical leadership.
1 of 2 people found the above review helpful.
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The small investment will pay off dividends-very good read!, May 2, 2010
By Tactical Templar (Canada)
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Been around the market now for close to 30 years. First as a combat medic, then police officer, now Nuclear Security Manager. This book is a great gift to give to your newly promoted special operators, Team Leaders and even Incident Commanders.
We are in the stages of forming another armed component within our organization. I will be purchasing this book for the commanders of each squad and their T.L's.
This book gives insight into what is required for individuals at all levels of an organization involved in tactics - whether it is police, military etc. It delves into individual leadership, organizational leadership, leadership planning, teaching leadership and selection of personnel for these positions (T.L's commanders etc).
It is a simple to read and understand book, hence should be able to be read by a larger audience - well done. Mr. Howe gets his point across very easily and supplies real world examples.
Sure, there are some areas where his examples may not be thoroughly understood or appreciated by some, but this was Mr. Howe's world. That is not the intent of the book, so if you can educationally wrap your head around these issues, as one evaluator was not able to do, this is a fantastic book.
It will be a small investment that will pay off.
1 of 2 people found the above review helpful.
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Real Leadership 101, February 20, 2010
By Lobo (USA)
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If you are Tactical Military or Law Enforcement, buy this book for Professional Development.
This is one of those rare books that is not hundreds of pages in length but is full of gold nuggets authored by a Seasoned Professional that must be read slowly and deliberately. It goes into the Professional Development Library.
The Combat Mindset is defined and examples are given. The format in the chapters are strength and improvement category so it is understood that in every event there is room for some type of improvement and learning experience.
The "loop" is defined and explained to understand the cycle and explain in layman's terms the importance of exploiting it.
This book pulls no punches and tells it like it is and is not PC. That is why it is so effective in getting the points across and examples given. It is not meant to be some refined Doctorate level masterpiece from Princeton; it is written for the Tactical Warrior in the Arena (T. Roosevelt) to understand the simple effective principles and apply them for Professional Education and Development as a Leader and Soldier.
This is one way for a Professional Soldier to give back and teach others through his own journey and experiences - about Leadership. He does this by giving examples of what right and wrong are to illustrate "why". This is a rare book that is very powerful and should be read slowly and deliberately to grasp every angle and concept. It is that good. It has everything to do with Solid Professionalism and Development.
1 of 2 people found the above review helpful.
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Highly Recommended for all leaders, September 21, 2009
By E. Diaz (San Francisco, CA USA)
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This book is amazing. As I read this book, it was as if a fog was lifting before my eyes in my mind. As a junior leader in the U.S. Army, I had my ideas of leadership, training, and combat that I pieced together after years of experiencing all types of leaders, both good and bad. It was an acknowledgment that I had in fact been on the right path. This book basically brought all of my thoughts about leadership into one organized book. As soon as I was done reading it, I bought a copy for a former Soldier of mine, now turned Team Leader and let a co-worker borrow my copy. The book is a little rough around the edges but as others (including the author) have stated, that's how the military is and this book is definitely military. Get it, Read it, Love it, Read it again. You'll feel better. If you think it was a waste of your time, pass the book along, drink water and drive on.
1 of 2 people found the above review helpful.
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inspirational, August 18, 2009
By Jose C. S. Vale Jr.
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This book has a rare ability to sparkle desire of change in how you do things in life. It helps you to look inside yourself and rise the bar. there some simple and delightful insights to inspire others to follow, but don't expect nothing free of effort. It's up to you.
1 of 2 people found the above review helpful.
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The definitive guide on small unit Leadership, Tactics, Techniques and Philosophy, February 3, 2009
By E. Mohn (Chicago)
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The definitive guide on small unit Leadership, Tactics, Techniques and Philosophy. Retired Delta Force Operator, Master Sergeant Paul Howe, US Army - A collection of lessons learned, thoughts, ideas and strategies forged from the harsh realities of combat.
With experience gained through years of service in our militaries most elite unit and combat in multiple overseas operational areas - MSG Paul Howe has put together a book dedicated to passing on the hard lessons learned and the strategies needed in your quest to become a successful combat leader. With chapters on subjects such as Combat Mind Set, Selection, Individual-Team-Combat Leadership, Training for the Fight, and Realities of Combat, MSG Howe provides the reader with a virtual roadmap that one can utilize to become a more effective, efficient and tactically sound operator and leader.
Each chapter starts with a real world combat situation and experience that Paul has had - followed by an in-depth look at the issues/successes/failures that took place and why. Most importantly, he then takes the reader through the lessons learned and "answers to the test" that we can all learn from and then utilize in planning, training for and conducting missions. A true roadmap to success should you chose to accept the challenge to lead and operate at a higher level of proficiency and efficiency.
Simply put, this is "MUST READ" book that will provide the reader with many of the answers we all seek in our quest to become the best individual operator, team member and small unit leader that we can be.
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Outstanding treatise..., February 28, 2008
By Bill Green (Raleigh, NC)
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Short and sweet, this is one of the three best treatments of the subject that I have ever seen.
Well thought out, well laid out and well written by someone who fully understands training for and leadership in critical situations. The core concepts are clean and easy to follow and well illustrated by the stories,examples and quotations. The book transcends combat. These principles can be applied any dynamic condition where a critical outcome must be achieved.
Well done, MSG Howe.
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Straight shooter, November 24, 2007
By PSG (Seattle, Washington)
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This is a easily read summary of leadership challenges and the responsibilities of leaders in police and military units. Howe does not claim to be an English major, and while that comes through, what is also apparent is his understanding of what it takes to lead in dangerous situations. Each chapter can stand on its own, and might be worth consideration, at least in part, for someone teaching leadership development.
1 of 2 people found the above review helpful.
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Should be required reading for LE and Military personnel, September 25, 2007
By Edward Jolly
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I didn't know what to expect from this book when I purchased it. I simply wanted to read the thoughts and ideas of a well respected and highly experienced leader. What I got out of this book is simply amazing. Howe has an uncanny ability to get right down to the core issues. He does this through a little bit of intrigue, a ton of valuable insight, and a bit of humor on top. He has that rare ability to get his point across without sounding like a preacher. Through my experiences in the military and Law Enforcement I can more clearly see how leadership should be approached. I believe that my abilities greatly improved due to the insight I gained from this book. This should be required reading for all military and law enforcement personnel.
1 of 2 people found the above review helpful.
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Excellent, June 26, 2007
By combat doc (Buffalo, NY USA)
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This book addresses issues that have plagued men in combat situations for years. This should be required reading for all members of the U.S. Military and law enforcement, and on all of the professional reading lists.
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Great Book!, July 25, 2006
By CMB (LA, CA)
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Great Book, gives real life experiences, not some guy who was in a office with a bunch of theories, but a guy who was actually in the middle of things. Great Job, from a man who has done a lot for this Country without any praise or thanks. Thank You !
1 of 2 people found the above review helpful.
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Sets a New Standard. Required Professional Reading/Development., July 14, 2011
By Mike Musgrove
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First off, cheers to MSG P. Howe for penning this book and the next.
He has set a new standard (again). I recommend this book to any LEO/SWAT operator and anyone in combat related MOS in the US Military. ESPECIALLY, if your goals take you to Group, the Teams, or Ranger Regiment. This book should be required reading for any shooter. Period.
I thought it would be another decent book when I picked it up, but I was hooked after a short time reading it. My current copy is riddled with notes, underlines, and highlighted portions. I am on Amazon as I'm writing this to buy the updated copy of Leadership and Training for the Fight.
He covers Leadership at the canteen-cup level (small-unit combat level) to the 'organizational' (officer) level to the individual level.
He covers Boyd's OODA loop at the individual, fire team, and organizational levels. Boyd's Loop has changed maneuver and unconventional warfare of every variety forever. He makes it relative to those on the go-teams.
He sets your head straight concerning marksmanship training (with primary and secondary weapons), physical readiness, dry fire, and knife. I read it regularly to maintain my mindset. It's really that good.
If all I've said strikes you as too much fluff. I'll tell you this: Take a chance, on an extremely good and informative book by an old soldier.
Take care.
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Great book for the tactically inclined., June 24, 2011
By David (Southwest Desert)
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I have experience in the law enforcement community. This book immediately captured my attention and I enjoyed reading it. The author is very experienced and knowledgeable in the field he writes about. His accounts of combat and applications of his training and mind-set are not only attention grabbing but also entertaining to read. The attention to leadership is invaluable.
Although I am not in law enforcement any more I still have this mind-set and still train on my own. This book rejuvenated my training and gave me new enthusiasm.
This book also showed me mistakes I made in my career and training.
If you have this type of mind-set, interest in this area or you know of someone about to enter a career in law enforcement/military buy this book.
I routinely donate books I have read to the local library but this book will remain in my personal collection. A really good book!
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Humility and Hard-earned wisdom combined, May 29, 2006
By Hikaze Shinjin (OH USA)
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Paul Howe is a well-educated, articulate and humble human being who also happens to be a top-notch Instructor and former Delta Operator.
What he reveals in this book is validated not only from his academic background, but from the numerous years of hard-training, actual survival and sound leadership under the duress of battle.
Tempered with a quiet humility not often found in SpecOps personnel, what this man has written is the truth derived from the ages of warfare and from the personal lessons Mr. Howe has acquired from having seen and tamed the elephant himself.
This is a superior read for anyone wanting to understand what leadership is and what such leadership demands of one under the duress of life and death emergency. No fluff here, at all, just pure substance.
It's easy to read, understand and comprehend. Practicing the lessons Paul Howe shares is up to the reader's combined innate and conditioned warrior mind-set wanting to excel--or not.
I'd give this book seven stars if I could, since I am unable, I will have to settle with the customary five...
Rev. A. Bodhi Chenevey, RM, DD
Hikaze Learning Corner
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A must read for soldiers and law enforcement, March 6, 2011
By GEORGE W PASLEY
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This book is a plain speaking yet in your face reality check for those who go in harms way. MSG Howe tells of actual first hand accounts of missions, and then follows them up with good sound advice and personal development techniques. He breaks the lessons in the book down in the military style of action/mission - AAR/lessons learned. I pesonally think this is a must read for anyone in the military or law enforcement, and would even help the average person better themselves.
0 of 1 people found the above review helpful.
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Lessons to learn, June 24, 2009
By 5thgroover (Texas)
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MSgt. Howe helps teach those lessons about mistake people made in situations that people will rarely find themselves in. This book is great for someone who is trying to better prepare their combat mindset. Through his book one can try to learn without making the same mistakes the hard way in life or death situations.... great for cops and the military.
0 of 1 people found the above review helpful.
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Outstanding book by a true professional., March 20, 2008
By J. Walker (CONUS)
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Outstanding book by a true professional. MSG Howe is the real deal and an outstanding authority in his field. Would recommend this for any law enforcement or military professional.
0 of 1 people found the above review helpful.
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Leadership & training not only for the fight, March 9, 2008
By M. Aurelien (94, France)
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Very good book, well structured, pleasant to read. The examples are clear, and the theories easy to apply, even if you aren't L.E. or military.
0 of 1 people found the above review helpful.
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Excellent Read, March 2, 2008
By Michael D. Chinn
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This is the best book on military leadership and training I have ever read and I have read a few on this subject. All of my team leaders are reading it now after hearing nothing but great reviews from myself. I think all NCO's in the Army, reguardless of MOS, should read this book.
0 of 1 people found the above review helpful.
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Howe does not disapoint, August 23, 2007
By M. Redmond (Houston, TX)
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Should be a standard on LE trainers bookshelf for constant review, study & strive to match the standards within.
0 of 1 people found the above review helpful.
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Picture perfect buying experience!, April 8, 2010
By Edward Tinsley (Overland Park, Kansas United States)
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Got Paul Howe's book on Leadership for the Fight. Book arrived on time and in great shape. A perfect buying experience. Now if we could only get America's banks to perform that efficiently!
0 of 3 people found the above review helpful.
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Solid thoughts from a BTDT operator, June 5, 2007
By intruder
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Good read. I especially liked the "stories" of previous missions or encounters before each section. A lot of his thoughts and suggestions, to me, seem to be common sense. But after being in the desert myself, clearly its uncommon sense.
Worth multiple reads, if not a study.
0 of 3 people found the above review helpful.
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Excellent Book On Mindset and Training., April 14, 2006
By R. Julian (Brooklyn, NY)
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I loved this book. It was an excellent read on how to train and prepare for combat. This was a well written and informative. It should be required reading for every military and Law enforcement leader.
0 of 3 people found the above review helpful.
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From the horse's mouth, December 3, 2011
By kansas1221
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This is not a theoretical book, but a book by someone who has seen it all himself.
And that is the single most important reason that makes this book so believable and more importantly, actionable.
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